A surprising but palpable passion for art history is evident in the work of American artist Samuel Stabler. Stabler distills known masterpieces down to their essential outlines. Shards and moments in history are rearranged into unexpected compositions of just one or two colors. Reminiscent of a sketch by Pablo Picasso, Untitled (Black Cut-Out) reveals forms and faces that appear to be restrained by a skein of barbed wire. Stabler has shown his work at art fairs around the world, and has most recently been featured at Gallery 151 in New York City.

Samuel Stabler (American, b. 1984) is known for his contemporary take on Old Master paintings. The Brooklyn-based artist recreates these masterworks in highly detailed pen-and-ink drawings, which he then obscures with streaks of neon yellow, adding a contemporary update to centuries-old masterpieces. Sourcing images from the internet, he also creates meticulous cut-outs, transforming once-familiar subjects into abstract webs of line and contour. “Old Masters used to paint the masters before them,” he has said. “The Internet age has allowed me to have this huge access to information, so I’m appropriating it in the way that makes sense to me now.” Stabler has shown his work at art fairs around the world, and has most recently been featured at Gallery 151 in New York City.